Music of Syria

Regarding the music of Syria, there are certain musical traditions and practices that have been present in Syria longer than others. There have been musical influences introduced into Syria through multiple eras of conquest and influences from surrounding cultures^[1][2] in modern-day Syria (as opposed to the region of Syria). Lying near Egypt and Israel, and connected to southern Europe by the Mediterranean, Syria became host to many distinct cultural musics through trade and route.^[3] The music present in Syria is related greatly to poetry, influenced greatly by the Bedouin nomadic tribes, the maqam system in Arabic classical music, as well as influenced greatly by the geopolitical movement and conflict in the Middle East. Syrian music generally has a singer who is accompanied by three or four instruments.^[4] The texture is usually thin but can become denser depending on the use of each instrument.^[4] Music is tightly linked to poetry in Syria.^[5]

The classical music of Syria is part of the greater Arabic music world.^[4] The main components are a maqam and an iqa (rhythm/metre). A maqam is a set of scales made of up of three or four notes.^[4] A maqam will have two or three of these scales put together which is then played over the iqa (rhythm).^[4] Both the maqam and iqa can be advanced or simple to play. Both the maqam and iqa are to be thought of as a structure that the musicians would then ornament with the playing.^[4] Syria and the Middle East have a long history of conquest and conflict that have led to a diaspora, and modern diaspora has led to refugee camps. Music has become a means of consolation and preservation of culture in the refugee camps.^[1][6]